Venezuela has issued a strong and swift condemnation following a statement by US President Donald Trump asserting that the airspace “above and surrounding Venezuela” should be considered completely closed. The Venezuelan foreign ministry described Trump’s remarks as “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people,” emphasizing that Venezuela views the declaration as a violation of international norms.
According to the Venezuelan government, the United States has no legal authority to unilaterally close another nation’s airspace. Officials in Caracas accused Trump of issuing a “colonialist threat” and of escalating an already tense situation in the region. The dispute unfolds amid increasing military activity by the US near Venezuela, heightening concern over the possibility of further confrontation.
The controversy began after Trump posted on Truth Social a message directed at airlines, pilots, drug traffickers, and human traffickers, urging them to consider all airspace connected to Venezuela as closed. His message immediately drew criticism, not only from Venezuela but also from members of the US Congress across party lines.
The White House did not immediately respond to media inquiries about the remarks, but the backlash within the United States grew as lawmakers questioned the President’s authority to make such declarations without congressional involvement. Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump’s “reckless actions toward Venezuela,” warning that the US risked being drawn into “another costly foreign war.” Schumer reminded the public that, under the US Constitution, only Congress holds the power to declare war.
Escalating US–Venezuela Tensions Over Airspace Control
Even Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former close ally of Trump, echoed this point, emphasizing that the constitutional power to declare war does not lie with the President. These reactions reflect growing concern in Washington that escalating rhetoric and military measures related to Venezuela are outpacing legal and diplomatic processes.
Meanwhile, tensions increased further when the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a separate warning regarding “heightened military activity in and around Venezuela.” Several major airlines responded by suspending service to the country. In return, Venezuelan authorities revoked their take-off and landing rights, demonstrating how quickly diplomatic strain has affected civilian and commercial aviation.
Venezuela’s foreign ministry issued a global appeal urging governments, the United Nations, and multilateral organizations to “firmly reject this immoral act of aggression.” The ministry insisted that Trump’s comments were not only unfounded but also dangerous, asserting that Venezuela’s sovereign rights were being directly challenged.
On the same day as the statement, the Venezuelan military conducted exercises along several coastal areas. State media broadcast footage showing anti-aircraft systems and artillery being positioned and maneuvered. The display was intended to signal that Venezuela is prepared to defend its territory and respond to what it views as escalating foreign pressure.
The Venezuelan government also expressed concern about the expanding US military presence in the region. The United States has deployed the USS Gerald Ford—its largest aircraft carrier—along with roughly 15,000 troops near Venezuelan waters. According to US officials, this is the largest military deployment in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama and is part of an effort to combat drug trafficking. Washington has reported conducting at least 21 strikes against boats it alleges were carrying narcotics, resulting in more than 80 deaths. Venezuela, however, disputes the US narrative and claims that no evidence has been presented to justify the operations.
President Nicolás Maduro argues that the US actions are part of a broader campaign to remove him from power. His most recent re-election has been widely contested by the Venezuelan opposition and criticized by several international governments as illegitimate.
The crisis has drawn mixed reactions across Latin America. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, himself subject to past US sanctions, accused Washington of using “violence to dominate” the region. Other leaders, however, have expressed support for a stronger US stance toward Venezuela.
Further complicating relations is the US designation of Cartel de los Soles—a group it alleges is linked to Maduro’s government—as a foreign terrorist organization. Such a designation gives US agencies expanded authority to investigate and target the group. Venezuela has “categorically and absolutely rejected” the label, calling it politically motivated and detached from reality.
As tensions continue to rise, both regional stability and international diplomatic efforts face increasing pressure. The dispute over Venezuela’s airspace underscores a broader struggle over sovereignty, security, and geopolitical influence—one that shows no signs of easing in the near future.